Frankenstein Underground #1 (Dark Horse): Anything with Mignola’s name tied to it screams… Well, yeah: it screams. Been around the catacomb a time or two with Frankenstein’s monster, haven’t we?

Mind MGMT #31 (Dark Horse): I&N Demand #30 was easily our #1 book of January. Damn thing erased everything and rewrote it even more painfully. There’s something Stray Bullets-ish about Kindt’s attention to detail across the series, in the impact of each issue; in this case, however, every round is a shot to the head.

Mind MGMT #31

Superman #39 (DC): Geoff Johns’ Superman sounds like Superman, and I’m a super happy man as a result. Who cares if the storyline didn’t develop as well as it could’ve and if Romita and Janson’s artwork appeared faster than a speeding bullet and about as powerful as Mister Roger’s Neighborhood Trolley.

Alex + Ada #13 (Image): I&N Demand This book is a whisper–the breath of a lover that fills your ear and sets off a silent storm that races up your spine, steels your muscles, and makes your skin scream. Yeah, that’s exactly what it is.

The Manhattan Projects: The Sun Beyond the Stars #1 (Image): Hoping that the new format is the key to recapturing the science behind this once superior series.

Outcast #7 (Image): Pretty close to exorcizing this one from the list, as well. Despite some interesting moments, I haven’t developed a connection to Kyle–at least one that has me caring enough to carry on with this very wayward son.

Satellite Sam #12 (Image): I&N Demand The best TV show in comics. Each episode/issue is a sprawling mosaic of self-interest that reads–unlikely–like a long-story-short told round the water cooler. Love it.

Satellite Sam #12

Secret Identities #2 (Image): I was kind of hung up on the untransitions from one character’s secret story to the next. It was a odd choice for a first issue–unless, of course, it was done to emphasize the separate personal spheres, which are such an integral part of the story. Hmm. The twist at the end: ho-hum. Had me thinking Deathmatch in spots. Maybe that’s why I’m on to #2.

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #2 (Image): I&N Demand Spanish Scott is a galleon of gold, and #1 let him shine: his pistolet-à-tête-à-pistolet with Beth and Kretch ranks as one of my favorite panels of the year.

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #2

Zero #15 (Image): I&N Demand #14 could’ve easily ended the series, right? Can’t not speak of the protracted fight scene, which had its moments–including an stare down that jumped off of the page; otherwise, it seemed unnecessary, almost lazy storytelling-wise, which contradicts most of what Kot’s done since #9, our top book of July 2014. It’s been a remarkable run, one that was due a hiccup.

Zero #15

Magneto #16 (Marvel): Magneto’s a badass. And that’s all ye need to know. Wondering what “Secret Wars” is going to do to the mighty Magneto.

Moon Knight #13 (Marvel): Wood and Smallwood’s run–which rounded out 2014 on a high note–stumbled across the finish line with an inexplicably weak resolution to an otherwise compelling story. Now Bunn takes over–with artist Ron Ackins–with expectations unexpectedly lower. Lucky Bunn.

Burning Fields #2 (BOOM!): I thought #1 was pretty solid. I mentioned that it was like Homeland and The Killing. #2 had me thinking The Bridge. Also kind of lost me a bit. I considered just letting it go, but still I buy.

Cap Stone #4 (Titan): Has been OK through three issues. Certainly hasn’t lived up to the promise of the poetic and beautiful–and near miraculous–first issue. Had Moore in mind; ended up Less. Don’t get me wrong: I appreciate Sharp’s vision. Page to page, the narrative’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. At times, however, the disjointedness causes the narrative to stall.

Divinity #2 (Valiant): I liked #1. I’m a big Kindt fan, but I’ve struggled to find a series outside of Mind MGMT that works for me. Sure, I’ve enjoyed The Valiant, but he’s sharing writing duties with Jeff Lemire on that one. While not mind-blowing by any stretch of the imagination, #1 hit some Kindt-ian notes that rang true, that carried consistently through the issue, leaving me far more satisfied than I was after reading Rai and Ninjak. I certainly hope that #2 transcends to the divine.

You did a double-take, didn’t you? You were expecting to read Spider-Gwen at the end of that superlative statement, weren’t you?

Ugh.

Colder: Bad Seed #5 (Dark Horse): Nimble Jack is back, baby! Maybe that’ll add a little oomph to an otherwise lethargic exercise. Tobin and Ferreyra cultivated a creepy tone early on but kind of got stuck in one place. Man, I’d give the finger to this series, but I’d be worried about getting it back.

Mister X: Razed #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N and I&N Demand It’s the first time a book has earned both enviable distinctions! Oh, yeah, baby! Mister X is back, and we couldn’t be any more excited! One reason–and it’s a good one: back in 2013, Dean Motter delivered the brilliant Mr. X: Eviction, which earned the coveted #1 spot on our highly respected Top Ten list, beating out the likes of Mind MGMT, Six-Gun Gorilla, and Saga. Now that’s gotta tell you something. Can’t wait to see what Mr. Motter has to tell us this time around.

Mister X: Razed #1

Bodies #8 (DC/Vertigo): Gosh. #1 hit the shelves with such promise. Unfortunately, the damn thing collapsed under its own weight and, as a result, has been a four-pronged slog ever since. Glad it’s over.

Suiciders #1 (DC/Vertigo): Lee Bermejo’s doing his own thing. Would be silly not to try it.

Low #6 (Image): I’m still pretty high on Low. Remender’s not ringing my bell anywhere else; but this diving bell of a book is tintinnabulous!

ODY-C #3 (Image): This gender-bending blitz on Homer’s epic is a damn siren’s song; it’s a party with the local lotophagi. Didn’t dig it so much after the first issue. Good thing I stuck around.

Rasputin #5 (Image): I’m riding it out ’til the end of the arc. There isn’t much here that’s keeping my interest.

They’re Not Like Us #3 (Image) I&N Demand Deadly Class only wishes it was this good. How would you act if you had superpowers? Eric Stephenson’s got the answer. Heck, it’s like a team full of feisty and rather petty Ozymandiases. What’s going to happen when the stakes get raised? Can’t wait to find out.

They’re Not Like Us #3

The Wicked & The Divine #8 (Image) I&N Demand The book’s got attitude. Yeah, this book’s a real bitch–a beautiful, effing bitch–one you’ve just desperate to have. But even when you have it, you don’t really have it; it has you.

The Wicked & The Divine #8

All-New X-Men #38 (Marvel): Chapter 4 of “The Black Vortex” crossover. Yeah, I’m out of that loop. Probably going to leave it on the shelf. Hindsight is 22/22: should’ve done the same with the Ultimate waste of an arc.

Daredevil #13 (Marvel): Despite some strong work from Chris Samnee, the Stunt-Master arc wasn’t particularly exciting. Reminds that Waid’s missed the mark some since making the move to the Left Coast. This issue kicks off the final chapter of Waid and Samnee’s run. I say perfect timing. Speaking of perfect: how about Samnee’s cover:

Daredevil #13

Darth Vader #2 (Marvel): #1 was fine. Was the Force with it? Not so sure about that. Got to give Gillen another go-round to see just how dark his helmet gets.

Men Of Wrath #5 (Marvel/Icon): I’ve enjoyed it enough. Father-son stories always hit me where it hurts. It’s like “Cat’s in the Cradle” but the cat’s been blown to furry bits by a blast of buckshot. “When you comin’ home son, I don’t know when, but I’ll fill you full of lead, dad, you know I’ll shoot you in the head…”

Abigail and the Snowman #3 (BOOM!): My daughter’s kind of scared of the Snowman. She has to convince herself that it’s just a cartoon–the same way she talks herself down when Marshmallow shows up in Frozen. Still she’s made it her pick of the week.

This is not a drill: I will be buying no fewer than three Action Labs books this week. To make room for them–and a sexy hardcover that I can’t possibly pass up–in the ol’ bag, I’m considering a couple of high-profile drops (Sex Criminals, Starlight). Also looking forward to some reinvigorated interest (Zero) and an awkwardly-named under-the-radar book–the terrific Thomas Alsop–that’ll make your bag go BOOM!

Dark Ages #1 (Dark Horse): New series from prolific Brit writer Dan Abnett and artist I.N.J. Culbard. They’re offering a take on the Dark Ages that’s a bit alien to us. Dark Horse is offering a preview here. I’m enjoying Culbard’s work on 2000 AD’s Brass Sun, so I figure I’ll give this one a try.

Astro City #14 (DC/Vertigo): With #13, Busiek and Anderson showed us a real good time: 24 hours’ worth of finely fractured Astro City action–a puzzle with the final piece placed oh so perfectly.

Astro City #14

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #37 (IDW): Shredder and Krang? How’s that going to work out? This “stand alone” promises to provide the answer. Standing in for Mateus Santolouco is Corey Smith, who’s been doing some solid work on Dynamite’s Magnus: Robot Fighter.

Sex Criminals #7 (Image): Congrats to Fraction, Zdarsky, and Image on the Eisner for Best New Series. OK. Enough of that. I wasn’t overly–or underly–impressed with #6. It felt like a conversation I could’ve had with my buddies, which is fine, you know, its playing nostalgic notes and all; but is that what I want out of a comic book? Well, that’s pretty much what the series has been from the get-go, and, if I’m being honest, what caught my interest initially. That interest, however, has waned, again, because, in the end, this isn’t a comic book as much as it’s, as the narrative knowingly reveals by disintegrating the fourth wall, an occasionally clever conversation that would be better suited as a blog or a podcast. The “criminal” contrivance has been the comic book bait; but in the end, it’s the sex talk that sells, and I’m not buying it anymore. Probably not.

Starlight #5 (Image): #4 was so far from the promise of #1 that I’m figuring Millar’ll never get back to it. He’s fallen to formula, as usual, and, as a result, I’m leaning toward passing–as usual. Sucks, too. #1 was so damn good.

Zero #10 (Image): Speaking of living up to promise: Ales Kot’s back on track after delivering a very affecting #9, which worked its way to a Sophie’s Choice moment played out with a painfully pregnant page turn. And now as I’m warming back up to Zero, it’s off to Iceland.

Zero #10

All-New X-Men #30 (Marvel): #29 was non-stop action rendered mostly in shades of Cyclops’s signature ruby red, which helped to sell a still suffering Scott Summers. Happy to say, I’m still high on how Bendis is handling the X-ceptionally large cast of characters. With all the time travel stuff going on, the most significant journey is the one I’m taking: Bendis and crew are reminding of what made the X-Men so good for so long–and what I, as a Claremont-reared X-reader loved about ’em.

The United States of Murder Inc. #4 (Marvel): A killer series all around. I had my doubts after the first issue; but #2 and #3 have been a double tap to the head.

Archer & Armstrong #23 (Valiant): Fred Van Lente is doing it his way all the way to the end, my beautiful friend, the end–of “American Wasteland.” I wrote about #21 here, and #22 was a mighty fine follow-up that is in the running for our Top 5 of July. Can’t wait to see how the arc plays out. I just know I’m gonna love it madly!

Archer & Armstrong #24

Armor Hunters #3 (Valiant): So far, so good. Doesn’t claim to be anything more than what it is.

The F1rst Hero #1 (Action Labs): On the strength of the deific Dry Spell, I’m trying any and all Action Labs books that I can find. I don’t know the creators, but when has that ever stopped me?

Midnight Tiger #1 (Action Labs): Ditto. Brings to mind Danny Fingeroth and Mike Manley’s stab at an all-new teen hero back in the early ’90s: Darkhawk. That book ran for fifty issues. How many will DeWayne Feenstra and Ray-Anthony Height end up with?

Southern Dog #1 (Action Labs/Danger Zone): Double ditto. Expected: immediately calls to mind Southern Bastards and, of all things, Ms. Marvel. Comparisons are inevitable. Most interesting of the three Action Labs titles–even if, in the end, it’s a werewolf book. The last werebook I read–which just so happened to have Riley Rossmo on it–was the underwhelming Cursed (BOOM!).

Thomas Alsop #3 (BOOM!): Thomas Alsop. The name doesn’t really ring, but don’t let that fool you: this book is friggin’ great. In fact, we’re calling #2 one of our Top 5 Books of July. One of these days, we’ll get around to the write up. Until then, be sure to pick this up–if only to see how well Chris Miskiewicz and Palle Schmidt balance the present and the past.

Thomas Alsop #3

The Heart of the Beast HC (Dynamite): The team of Judith Dupré (author of Skyscrapers, an award-winning book about, well, skyscrapers, don’t ya know!), Dean Motter (creator of the Innie Award-winningMister X: Eviction), and Sean Phillips (artist of Brubaker-ian proportions; see: Fatale, Criminal, Incognito, and the soon-to-be-released The Fade Out.) make this book–celebrating its 20th Anniversary–a Must Buy.

Avery’s Picks of the Week:

Littlest Pet Shop #4 (IDW): The littlest pets are big on fun!

Doodle Jump #3 (Dynamite): My daughter’s been known to drop everything only to exclaim, “I’m a ninja!” She’s also kind of obsessed with American Ninja Warrior. She creates her own obstacles and attacks them, only to jump off into the “water,” which, of course, is a win. I love my little ninja!

A big week with some stand-out books and a few make-or-breakers, too. Toss in a bunch of #1’s and you’ve got yourself a pretty full bag.

Oh, and a picture of a wrestler.

Robin Rises: Omega #1 (DC): It’s all led to this. By it, I mean: early on, Tomasi did a terrific job of toeing the Bat-line that Morrison drew in Batman Inc.; but for the most part the post-Two Face team-ups were terribly tedious. Stitching Batman to Frankenstein worked well, however, because of its acting as a natural segue into Robin’s resurrection–or whatever’s going to go down. Who knows? Maybe Robin’ll come back less human than human; maybe he’ll forevermore be known as–wait for it–Robzombie.

Robin Rises: Omega #1

The Squidder #1 (IDW): Trying out some new Ben Templesmith, who’s trying out some words along with his usually stunning images.

The Last Fall #1 (IDW): Writer Tom Waltz has had a hand in making TMNT a must buy. I’m willing to give him a shot here.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #36 (IDW): That’s right: TMNTis a must buy. The story’s been solid, and Mateus Santolouco’s art has been instrumental in redefining the Turtles.

TMNT #36

Rat Queens #7 (Image): The Unreal Queens of Comedy are back to offend our sensibilities–and, as #6 proved, to make us like ’em all a little bit more. (Yeah, the four-panel first page snagged me but good.) One thing that keeps me coming back for more: it reminds me of the late Drew Hayes’s Poison Elves. (God, I loved Poison Elves!)

The Wicked & The Divine #2 (Image): The title’s got me thinking less about the book itself and more about Kieron Gillen. I love Uber and really liked Three (Divine!); his post-Schism Uncanny X-Men was unreadable, and Young Avengers was wildly over-hyped (Wicked!). After #1, I’m leaning toward the latter. One thing going for it: it read not unlike a Johnathan Hickman book–just with characters who are annoying as hell.

Magneto #7 (Marvel): While #5 fell a bit flat, #6 reestablished Magneto’s mojo–with a vengeance! It’s all about vengeance, ain’t it? Good for us. Kudos to Cullen Bunn, who has gone a long way toward establishing himself as the master of the Master of Magnetism.

Ms. Marvel #6 (Marvel): #5 was the weakest issue thus far. Not saying it wasn’t good; there was just something…inconsistent about it. Wondering how the new artist–Jake Wyatt–will affect the book, especially considering how instrumental Adrian Alphona has been in making this book so magical from the get-go . I’m still very high on Kamala, though.

Not this one…

This one. Duh.

Silver Surfer #4 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated #1 and #2 as Top 5 books–of March and April, respectively. And, not surprisingly, you’ll soon find that we liked #3 a whole lot, too. No doubt: this last wave of Marvel books has been damn good; and of the bunch riding it–including the aforementioned Ms. Marvel and Magneto, plus the knockout Iron Fist–Slott and Allred’s Silver Surfer is the Big Kahuna.

Silver Surfer #4

Uncanny X-Men #23 (Marvel): I’ve admitted it already, but I’ll do so again; see, it needs to be emphasized–especially since I was such a tough customer: I like what Bendis is doing on both X-books. That’s right: I’m a believer! And not simply on the strength of one or two issues of each; no, I’d still be cautious–maybe even rude–with such a small sampling. After several issues of each–of All-New and Uncanny–I haven’t had a single thing to complain about! Well, it’s more than just not having something to complain about: Bendis has found the all-important balance between the serious and the silly that must be struck in order for the X-Men to work. Works for me.

The Last Broadcast #3 (Archaia): Thus far, The Last Broadcast has been a magical experience! In fact, we’re going to be celebrating #2 as a top book of June, you know, when we finally get around to it. Seriously, though, Andre Sirangelo and Gabriel Iumazark have pieced together an engrossing mystery that plays like a Polanski film (Frantic, The Ninth Gate). (Hey, I might use that in my Top 5 review…)

The Last Broadcast #3

The Devilers #1 (Dynamite): If I see Joshua Hale Fialkov’s name on a book, I’m going to buy the book. Where he’s at now (The Bunker, The Life After), odds are good this’ll be hella good.

Avery’s Picks of the Week:

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination #7 (DC): She’s got the first six, so there’s no stopping now–even if she has no idea what’s going on. After all, we’re a family of completists. Unless a book really sucks, of course.

Eye of Newt #1 (Dark Horse): I ain’t a fan of The Hobbit and I ain’t looking to make a habit outta buying books that tease Tolkienesque quests. But this new release from Michael Hague looks awfully pretty. Reminds of Rebecca Guay.

Eye of Newt #1

Batman and Ra’s al Ghul #32 (DC): OK, so, I’ve been touting this title for over a year now, mostly because of how well Tomasi dealt with the aftermath of Morrison’s fatal calculus. Since the Two-Face arc, however, it just hasn’t added up–that is until #31, which offered the return of Frankenstein and a breath of fresh art from guest artist Doug Mahnke.

Wonder Woman #32 (DC): Wanna talk about women in comics? The conversation begins and ends with Wonder Woman. In the Battle of the Bulging Bag, the new God of War is the clear winner.

Wonder Woman #32

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #35 (IDW):No longer gets a bump from being a surprise–and doesn’t need it! I think we can all agree: Mateus Santolouco owns the Turtles. If we’re lucky, he’ll never leave.

Winterworld #1 (IDW): Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice? Yes, please!

Alex + Ada #7 (Image): Sure, Ada only recently gained sentience; but let’s face it: this book’s been full of life from the get-go.

Alex + Ada #7

Fatale #23 (Image): #22 worked for what it was. This one promises to be “the strangest issue […] yet.” Guess that means a helluva lot of strange. Aw, hell, Brubaker and Phillips may as well wring out the strange sponge on their way out.

The Manhattan Projects #21 (Image): Gee whiz! An issue featuring a dog! Haven’t read one of those in while.

The Wicked & The Divine #1 (Image): Kieron Gillen’s a must try. Jamie McKelvie’s clean style will go a long way toward letting Gillen tell his story about young gods living the life–until they die.

Daredevil #4 (Marvel): Who?

Daredevil #4

Silver Surfer #3 (Marvel): #2 earned its place in our Top 5 for April. Read about it here and discover why Silver Surfer belongs in your bag, too.

Harbinger #24 (Valiant): Almost done. Shame, really. Has been one of the better superhero team books around.

The Last Broadcast #2 (Archaia): #1 was terrific! Can’t wait to discover what’s next! Hoping pretty hard that Andre Sirangelo can keep the same pace here in #2.

Magnus: Robot Fighter #4 (Dynamite): Fred Van Lente’s a busy man, but he’s not letting it show in his work; he writes each book as if it’s his only one. Absolutely loved #3–especially when the Robot Fighter’s fist met a flying car’s front end in a spectacular spread by Corey Smith. Speaking of fists:

Magnus: Robot Fighter #4

Translucid #3 (BOOM!): #2 was the runner-up for Biggest Dis(appointment) of May. There’s a fine line between a juvenile affect and juvenilia. Hoping for more than a month’s worth of maturity here with #3.

This’ll be my inaugural haul from the new and improved Android’s Amazing Comics. Looks like it’ll be a grand opening, indeed!

The Wake #9 (DC/Vertigo): Scott Snyder’s overhyped submersible vehicle draws–drowns?–closer to its long awaited end. By long awaited, I mean this thing could’ve been a sixer. Am I wrong? Of course I’m not wrong.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #34 (IDW): Any hype this one’s been getting has been well earned. The Turtles are serious business, boys and girls: Waltz and Eastman have managed the considerable cast remarkably well, all along allowing the child at the heart of the book to play innocently while the adults are getting work done–no easy task; and, speaking of getting work done, artist Mateus Santolouco lifts the lot to another level with his signature style–one that has quickly become the face of the titular freaky foursome.

Clone #17 (Image): Issue after issue David Schulner and co. unveil another perfectly engineered model of their fast-paced formula, taking hairpin page turns toward high-octane twists! #16, an anxious affair, made more so by Juan Jose Ryp’s insanely detailed artwork and Andy Troy’s committed colors, delivers a real shot to the gut; and we’re left bleeding and pleading, “More, please.”

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #3 (Marvel): Kaare Andrews definitely deserves an iron fist bump or two for this randy reboot of K’Un Lun’s favorite son. His images and words come together like yin and yang, balancing Danny’s heartbreaking backstory with the apocalyptic present. It’s Kung Fu Theater in a comic!

Loki: Agent of Asgard #5 (Marvel): Loving Loki, Midgard’s most magical metrosexual! The star of the show, though, is Al Ewing’s wit, which is sharper even than Sigurd’s Gram. That’s right: I’m all about Asgard–and it only took four issues to bring me around!

Magneto #5 (Marvel): Magneto the Merciless. Me likey. Cullen Bunn’s already shown a knack for delivering magnetic moments, making a raging Magneto easy to root for–especially as he works in vane to cleanse a faux farm of Purifiers. Did you notice: the death by windmill was literally–and cleverly–foreshadowed on the side of the barn over the course of three scene-shifting panels!

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2 (Marvel): #1 brought us back to what made Ultimate Spider-Man work: Bendis’s surrendering super in favor of human. There’s magic in Miles, after all. And, damn, how about that last page? One of those rare times when petering out is a good thing.

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2

Miracleman #7 (Marvel): Running a bit behind. Still haven’t gotten around to #5. But what I’ve read so far has been miraculous.

Moon Knight #4 (Marvel): Loved #3. Just one reason: “You possess all kinds of armor and raiment for fighting the living: how can you not have garments for fighting the dead?” I mean, duh! Warren Ellis knows exactly how to exploit this medium: he wields his words efficiently and allows Declan Shalvey to once again spread his wings. Together, they deliver a powerful punch and, with that narrative fist, continue to fill the cavernous Batvoid in my life. Thanks, fellas!

Doc Savage #6 (Dynamite): Starting to lose a little steam for me as it chugs its way to the present. I bought the Annual but don’t really feel compelled to read it, you know, with the different creative team and all. Just doesn’t inspire. Helluva a price tag on that sucker, too. We’re back to business–and back to Y2K–with this one.

Quantum and Woody #11 (Valiant): Crazy fun! I cannot wait for the showdown with the E.R.A. I’m telling you: if you like Rat Queens, you’ll definitely dig Q&W. James Asmus has really found a groove–and his needle sharp wit is riding it at 78 rpm, delivering sweet, sweet music, man; and Kano, the Bono of comic book artists, has, with #10, delivered the most vocal visuals of the series to date.

Quantum and Woody #11

Rai #2 (Valiant): I didn’t love #1, but I’m going to give it–Matt Kindt, more so, if I’m being honest–another issue. Wasn’t going to, except for the fact that #1 read a lot like Star Wars: Rebel Heist #1, which I ended up enjoying more after I thought about it for a while. Here’s hoping that Rai #2 will give me something to think about. Clayton Crain’s painted art didn’t live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong it’s impressive for what it is; but in terms of the storytelling, it’s stiff and lifeless. More hoping: that the images catch up to the words.

The Massive #22 (Dark Horse): Brian Wood and Danijel Zezelj follow up the very strong “Bloc” arc–which earned Wood and Garry Brown I&N top book status for February and March–with “Sahara,” which promises to slake our thirst for more Mary.

The Massive #22

Mind MGMT #21 (Dark Horse): Those of you who have been following our little blog for a while may have been surprised to see that #20 didn’t crack our Top 5 Books of March. Believe me: after hashing out the list, we were pretty surprised, too! Matt Kindt certainly didn’t disappoint: he drew out an issue highlighting a giant of Mind MGMT past, and did so using tall panels to accentuate, well, the agent’s giantness. Super clever–and, more important, super effective! Kindt’s artistic approach often results in impossibly long-limbed figures; #20 acts, then, as an ectomorphic celebration! This new offering promises to be a silent issue, which, in Kindt’s capable hands, promises to say plenty, as his art often tells most of the story anyway. On a nostalgic note: when I think “silent issue,” like you, I go right to G.I Joe #21. I also think of Martin Wagner’s Hepcats because, if memory serves, there was a stunning silent issue that focused on child abuse. Does anyone remember that?

Mind MGMT #21

Batman Eternal #3 (DC): So, I gave #2 a shot despite my not being excited about #1. Wasn’t much of an improvement. Some storytelling yips persist–including the agonizing, issue-long reveal of the antagonist; and the dialogue’s nothing to talk about. And that said, I’ll probably pick this up.

Dead Boy Detectives #5 (DC/Vertigo): Still like the vibe and the possibilities.

Justice League United #0 (DC): Lemire on a hero book doesn’t excite, but I’m going to try it nevertheless.

Lazarus #8 (Image): Like The Massive, Lazarus has been one of our top books for February and March. Can’t help but think of Ginsberg’s “Howl” because that’s what I think of when I think of Denver: “who journeyed to Denver, who died in Denver, who came back to Denver & waited in vain, who watched over Denver & brooded & loned in Denver and finally went away to find out the Time, & now Denver is lonesome for her heroes.” Well, that and Dave Loggins’ “Please, Come to Boston.”

Lazarus #8

The Manhattan Projects #20 (Image): #19 was a tad frivolous–I mean, did we really need to see the Oppenheimer civil war? The end presented an interesting twist, however. Oh, I’m definitely down with dueling Einsteins.

Sheltered #8 (Image): Has become a bit “is what it is,” hasn’t it?

Zero #7 (Image): We liked #1-#4 enough to celebrate Kot’s baby as a top title of 2013. #5 was OK, although the idea of aliens being thrust into the mix wasn’t all that thrilling. #6 wasn’t very good at all–writing-wise or art-wise. Yeah, unfortunately, we weren’t blown away by Vanesa Del Rey’s work, which was tough to follow at times. Expectations have fallen to just about, well, zero.

Daredevil #2 (Marvel): The reboot/relaunch/rewhatever was underwhelming. I kinda dig the whole devil out of water device; but outside of that, #1 wasn’t much of anything, really.

Elektra#1 (Marvel): I’ve been an Elektra junkie forever. I’m interested in seeing how half of the former Batwoman writing duo–W. Haden Blackman–handles the deadly sairen.

Elektra #1

The Bunker #3 (Oni Press): Has been very good. Fialkov’s handling the time-travel aspect as if it isn’t an obstacle to the storytelling process, when, in fact, it’s like skipping through a minefield. Impressive, indeed!

Evil Empire #2 (BOOM!): #1 ended on a sharp note, that’s for sure. We’ll see if Bemis and Getty can keep the momentum going.

Evil Empire #2

Harbinger #22 (Valiant): Recently read that Harbinger‘s ending as of #25. A bit of a bummer, sure, but it does lighten the load without my having to be the one to make the dreaded decision.

Letter 44 #6 (Oni Press): I was planning on dropping it, but with this being the arc ender and all…

The Midas Flesh #5 (BOOM!): About as much fun as you’re bound to have with a finger. #4 suffered a bit from some strained development; but overall the series has been really good.

Astro City #10 (DC/Vertigo): Busiek’s Winged Victory tour has been a revelation! Hope it soars right to the end.

Royals: Masters of War #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a jolly good show! Rob Williams’ characters were instantly engaging; and Simon Coleby’s art was terrific, like Jae Lee with more detail and without the reliance on silhouettes. Together, they’ve delivered a well-rounded opening salvo filled with “awe,” “exhilaration,” “excitement,” and “fear.” Has a depth that separates it from the very similar Uber, which just so happens to be on tap this week, as well.

Monster & Madman #1 (IDW): Frankenstein’s monster and Jack the Ripper together in the same book? Oh, and Steve Niles as the facilitator? Yes, please!

Monster & Madman #1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #32 (IDW): Ross Campbell’s surprisingly strong run on the post-“City Fall” arc comes to an end. Good news, though: one of our favorites, the terrific Mateus Santolouco, is back with #33!

East of West #10 (Image): A compelling read that has really started to take off. It’s a solid showcase for Hickman’s serious side, which is a nice counterpoint to his maniacal The Manhattan Projects.

Stray Bullets: Killers #1 (Image): Gonna have to stick this on the ol’ Catch Up pile because…

Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition (Image): I recently read the first four issues of Stray Bullets on Dave Lapham’s website. Have been waiting for this bad boy ever since. Thanks to my man Derek for pointing me in this direction.

Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel): I’m a fair fella. I put The All-New Invaders out of my mind–only after a bit of a purple purge–and jumped into James Robinson’s reboot of The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine with the optimism of an innocent. As it turned out, it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t fantastic, but it wasn’t bad. Robinson–one of our favorite writers of 2012–set the terms of his take on the cosmic quartet–with fine art from Leonard Kirk–and did so well enough for me to follow along. 4 Now! anyway.

Hawkeye #17 (Marvel): Sure, we’re bee-bopping around a bit, but it doesn’t matter much: wherever Fraction fires his arrows on Hawkeye, they hit the mark emphatically. This departure from the deafening events of #15 promises to be “a raucously adorable and hilarious animated adventure.” Sock it to me!

Secret Avengers #1 (Marvel): The secret’s out: Ales Kot and Michael Walsh are teaming up again (see Zero #1 or the recently released Zero TP) for an Avengers title that I’m really looking forward to. No, really.

Secret Avengers #1

X-Force #2 (Marvel): I didn’t really love #1. Heck, I barely liked it. But I’m going to give it another issue because Si Spurrier has earned my not-so-easily-earned loyalty. (Yes, I’m still riding the high of the meticulously meta Six-Gun Gorilla, one of our favorite books of 2013.)

Death Sentence #6 (Titan): No hyperbole here: this is one issue away from cementing itself as the mini to beat for 2014. Writer Montynero’s made himself a must-read–the result of his brilliant storytelling, his unforgettable characters and his insightful back matter. Mike Dowling’s art–which calls to mind the fabulous Sean Phillips–is the perfect complement to Montynero’s wild, wild words. If you foolishly missed out on this rocking good time, fret not: there’s always the trade.

Uber #10 (Avatar): Still solid. Wondering how long Gillen’s going to go with it. Wonder how long he can go on with it. Fair or not: I’m going to be holding it to Royals: Masters of War. It’s the nature of the business, ain’t it? Yeah, comics are hell.

Unity #5 (Valiant): Looking forward to the new arc, which has not been billed as Kindt, CAFU, and you. Man, it should’ve been.

The Massive #20 (Dark Horse): #19 struggled a bit to to rise to the level of “Longship.” It was to be expected, I suppose, even as expectations were expectedly ramped up as a result of the exquisite study in tension that was the showdown between Cal Israel and Bors Bergson. In general, there is something magical about how Brian Wood gets more out of simmering than most get out of boiling.

Mind MGMT #19 (Dark Horse): Matt Kindt is working at a completely different level; and, in that, he’s competing against himself–and winning, wouldn’t you know! Oh, you know–because you’re a regular reader of Mind MGMT, right? If you’ve been a regular reader of our humble blog, then you know that #16 was our favorite issue until #17 came along and earned our coveted Best Single Issue of 2013 award. #18–our #1 book of January 2014–has trumped #17 as our favorite issue of Mind MGMT to date; so you know what we’re expecting: #19 is going to be better still! It’s going to be magic!

The Wake #6 (DC/Vertigo): According to Scott Snyder: “#5 [was] the big game changer.” If that means that the series is suddenly going to get interesting, a bit more challenging, then terrific. If it simply speaks to the leap forward in time that we’ve been hanging onto since #1, then I’m bored already. Aside from some Snyder-esque horror in #3, the series has been an absolute snoozefest. This is a rep-read–did I just coin that?–if there ever was one.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31 (IDW): I’m still marveling over the fact that I’m reading a Turtles book. Thing is, it’s good. The writing’s solid, and Ross Campbell’s art is terrific; it suits the situation in which the Turtles find themselves perfectly. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mateus Santolouco’a return to the title is just around the corner. Sweet!

TMNT #31

Deadly Class #2 (Image): I’ve about reached the end of my Remender rope. But I have just enough left for this one. I hope I get a bit more than recycled schemes, though.

Rat Queens #5 (Image): It sure as hell ain’t high art, but who gives a rat’s ass? Wiebe and Upchurch are spreading a plague of royal merriment! Catch it as quickly as you can!

Rat Queens #5

Satellite Sam #6 (Image): All I remember of #5: lots of below the belt lip service. Now, with the oral stage set, what’s to come, Sigmund Fraction? I hope we get back to business–before the afterglow turns totally to aftergloom.

Sheltered #7 (Image): #6 offered up an interesting angle: the adult as the innocent. Derek and I talked about it here: I&N the Gutter with…Sheltered. I’m hoping that this series stays tight and doesn’t get tedious–like Revival, for instance.

Three #5 (Image): #3 was great. #4 didn’t quite have the same impact but was a damn fine follow up with an edge of your seat cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see how it plays out here in #5. Kieron Gillen’s got something really good going with Three. Looks like when he’s doing his own thing, as with Uber, he’s much more effective and, ultimately, more engaging. He grabs his angle, does his research, and soars.

Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel): James Robinson’s The All-New Invaders has been a major disappointment. In fact, we called out #1 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of January. We all know that Robinson’s capable of so much more. Well, I hope he brings that more to Fantastic Four–and I hope what he and Leonard Kirk bring together as a team to “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” justifies the reboot.

Hawkeye #15 (Marvel): Wouldn’t you know: a filtered Fraction is a much better–and certainly sexier–Fraction. But Fraction’s only half of the team that’s serving up the second best hero book–after Daredevil , of course–in the Marvel Universe: David Aja has a hand–a very active hand, sexually actually–in the sexification of Clint Barton, as well. Hey Derek! Smart move jumping onto Mind MGMT–finally. Now it’s time to set your sights on some super hero action. What are you waiting for? I’ll even lend you my trades!

Hawkeye #15

Miracleman #3 (Marvel): I’m hooked on Alan Moore’s Miracleman! Gosh, I wish I had read these stories back in the day, though. But thanks to Marvel for giving me an opportunity enjoy them now. Could do without all of the ancillary material, however.

Doc Savage #3 (Dynamite): On the strength of Derek’s recommendation, I’ve picked up the first two, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet.

X-O Manowar #22 (Valiant): A reliable read, though rarely remarkable. Aric, however, remains one of my favorite characters. I wonder whether or not Aric’s involvement in Unity will bring a little something extra to this book. We’ll see.

Dead Boy Detectives #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a revelation. The narrative–comprised of three distinct voices–was constructed with a breezy brilliance that amplified the complexity of the characters and their conflict yet remained eminently readable. Equal parts engaging and enraging, this book looks like a real winner in the venerable Vertigo style.

Dead Boy Detectives #2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30 (IDW): Yup, it’s true: I’m still on board. Seems I’ve been taken by the Turtles! As it turns, while Mateus Sanotolouco gave me every reason to jump on board and, with the end of his run, an easy out, Ross Campbell is insisting that I stick around. Perhaps the real credit should be given to Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz for their consistency, for their ability to elevate expertly an eternal novelty.

Clone #14 (Image): #13 was a bit of a backslide, a trip onto the ol’ backside. Yeah, it didn’t kick my ass; but it all-sorts-of-other-thingsed Luke’s ass. Yowza. Too much? Well, in terms of expectations, David Schulner and the gang sure as hell wrecked ’em. Let’s hope they’re back on track this month: phallic stage, here we come!

Clone #14

East of West #9 (Image): Each issue is delivered in a decidedly deliberate manner, which is an unmistakable hallmark of Jonathan Hickman’s storytelling. In that, the series has been solid–every issue’s been good; but it still plays like a side project compared to the atomic wedgie Hickman’s been giving to the atomic age in the expertly crafted and explosively funny The Manhattan Projects.

Saga #18 (Image): God, I hate Saga! Lying.

Saga #18

Saviors #2 (Image): Not sure how “new” the story felt, but I’m going to give it another shot anyway. What’s the draw: J. Bone, of course.

Inhumanity #2 (Marvel): I’ll flip through it. The first one–eh, it was a bit of a slog. The end, however, while predictable in one respect, hinting at cracks in Fraction’s foundation, did have a killer twist, which restored my faith in the writer, who clearly has a Karnak for keeping us on on our toes.

Miracleman #2 (Marvel): #1 was my first exposure to the character. Loved hearing Alan Moore’s voice, that’s for sure. Didn’t care so much for bonus material, though. Despite the threat of even more bonus material, I’m up for #2.

Uber #9 (Avatar): Of late, has been overshadowed by Gillen’s Spartan effort on the thrilling Three. Still, Uber‘s been mostly fascinating even with the frequent flow pas.